Ritzville City Council approves street closures

The Ritzville City Council approved a street closure request from the East Adams Rural Healthcare- Adams County Hospital District No. 2 during the regular meeting on Tuesday, May 16.

The request included closing Washington Street from Main Avenue to Railroad Avenue and Railroad Avenue from Division Street to Adams Street for the annual Health Fair scheduled for Sept. 9.

In addition to the street closures, they also requested the use of the sidewalk and parking areas on Main Avenue for vendors. The council approved the request.

Mayor Gary Cook presented Resolution 2017-03 pertaining to the Adams County Conservation District (ACCD)annexation.

The annexation will allow residents to receive assistance from the Adams County Conservation District with concerns about conservation efforts on their property. It also allows the City to partner with ACCD for grants.

Cook said the Department of Ecology has contacted them about mitigation issues at the sewer treatment plant. The council motioned to accept the resolution.

Karen Potts from the Adams County Health Department presented an example of the signs requesting for no smoking or vaping they would like to post around the city.

After discussing the details of the signs in the previous meeting, Potts stated they took pictures of desirable locations around the city to post the signs.

She said the Health Department would cover the cost of posting the signs and purchasing the necessary equipment. Councilmember Michelle Plumb recommended the primary location of the signs be at the city parks.

Clerk-Treasurer Kris Robbins stated they have discussed drafting a document explaining the responsibilities of the Health Department and the city regarding the signs.

Potts stated she would continue working on the verbiage and update the council on the progress of the project.

Public Works Director Larry Swift announced he contacted the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway regarding the condition of the road next to the tracks between Division Street and Railroad Avenue.

He said the company agreed the road is in need of repair.

Ritzville Police Chief Dave McCormick informed the department participated in a driving under the influence emphasis on May 5. He said they reported 16 stops and five citations.

McCormick also participated in an Anti-Terrorism training sponsored by the U.S.

Secret Service on May 16.

During the council reports, Cook announced Karen Cady is the new President of the Ritzville Area Chamber of Commerce.